Vilar, LuísLührmann, Julius2025-08-012025-01-082024-12-16http://hdl.handle.net/10362/185889This work project defines strategic initiatives to enhance Al-Ittihad’s Football Youth Academy, aiming to establish it as a national leader in talent development. Using a mixed-methods approach, including literature review, expert interviews, and internal and external analyses, the study identifies actionable strategies inspired by European best practices. Key initiatives focus on talent development, branding, partnerships and addresses staffing gaps to foster sustainable academy success. The thesis presents a tailored roadmap that integrates these strategic initiatives, guiding Al-Ittihad toward achieving excellence in youth football development.engYouth academyTalent developmentStrategic managementBrandingPartnershipsVision 2030FootballSaudi Arabiamaster thesis203959990